Backgrounder:
Rimouski Museum Acquires HMCS Onondaga
NR-05.082 - November 15, 2005
OTTAWA -- Marking the first time that a Canadian submarine will be preserved
as a museum, the Department of National Defence today announced that Musée
de la Mer de Pointe-au-Père, Que. has acquired Her Majesty's Canadian
Ship (HMCS) Onondaga.
"Having HMCS Onondaga on display will provide a rare opportunity for all
Canadians to learn more about an important aspect of our naval history"
said Captain (Navy) Larry Hickey, Commander 5th Maritime Operations Group in
Halifax, NS. Captain (Navy) Hickey, a former Commanding Officer of HMCS Onondaga,
made the announcement on behalf of Defence Minister Bill Graham.
HMCS Onondaga is an Oberon-class submarine, built in Chatham,
UK. It was launched in 1965, commissioned in 1967, and served Canada with distinction
until July, 2000. HMCS Onondaga was one of three Oberon-class
diesel/electric submarines acquired in the 1960s by the Royal Canadian Navy
(RCN), the others being HMCS Ojibwa and HMCS Okanagan. For more
than 30 years, HMCS Onondaga played a significant role in protecting
Canada's sovereignty and security.
"Life aboard a submarine has always seemed a bit mysterious to the public"
explained Vice-Admiral Bruce MacLean, Chief of the Maritime Staff and a former
submarine commanding officer. "Visitors to the museum will be able to experience
hands on what it was like for the many submariners who served Canada proudly
in this class of submarine."
Once further fundraising and site preparation is complete, the Musée
intends to take possession of Onondaga during the summer of 2006, transporting
the submarine from Halifax for permanent display in Pointe-au-Père. Onondaga
will be located near the Pointe-au-Père wharf, and will offer interactive
displays. The Musée hopes that the Onondaga could attract up to 100,000
visitors annually.
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